Angela Brav to step down as IHG’s boss in Europe

Angela Brav is to step down as chief executive of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) at the end of the year after 28 years with the company. She has decided to pursue other opportunities outside of the company, but will remain in her role to oversee the transition process.

She will be replaced by Kenneth Macpherson, who will take on the newly created role of chief executive of Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa (EMEAA) for IHG in early 2018.

Currently IHG’s chief executive of Greater China, Macpherson will lead the new region, which will be created by bringing together two of IHG’s current operating divisions: Europe and Asia, Middle East & Africa. He will take up the new role in early 2018.

Macpherson joined IHG in April 2013 from Diageo, a company he had been with for almost 20 years. He has lived and worked in China since 2005 and has been based in several locations in Asia, the UK and South Africa.

The EMEAA region will be headquartered in the UK and operate through sub-regional divisions based in a number of locations to focus on further growth through increased agility and effectiveness.

Keith Barr, IHG’s global chief executive, said: “The success of our current Asia, Middle East & Africa and Europe regions has put us in great shape. Our clear and focused strategy that remains unchanged, along with the investments we have made, has seen our business grow significantly in these markets. We are now ready to take the next step, which will continue to drive operational performance and accelerate the growth of our brands.

“With Kenneth’s experience in our fastest growing region, sharp focus on operational excellence and strong background in consumer brands, he has both the experience and passion to take our new region forward.”